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Prince George’s County’s newly appointed fire chief was rushed to the hospital after suffering a medical emergency during a fireworks safety press conference on Wednesday, July 2, the department confirmed.
Chief Thelmetria “Meme” Michaelides — who was sworn in Monday — collapsed during the event and was treated on the scene by her own crew before being transported to MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center.
Officials say the emergency was non-life-threatening, and that she has already fully recovered.
“I am so thankful for the immediate care and compassion that I received from our own Fire/EMS Department firefighters and paramedics,” Michaelides said after the fact.
“As well as for the expert care I received at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. I am grateful for all the prayers and well-wishes offered by so many in our incredible community.”
Michaelides made headlines this week when she was formally introduced as Prince George’s County’s new fire chief — a historic appointment that added another chapter to her legacy of breaking barriers.
“We are proud to welcome Thelmetria ‘Meme’ Michaelides as our new fire chief — the first African American female bomb technician in the state of Maryland and a lifelong public safety leader,” County Executive Aisha Braveboy said at the time.
“From dispatcher to battalion chief, Meme has blazed trails, broken barriers, and built a legacy of service. With her unmatched experience, she is ready to lead PGFD to greater success.”
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